Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is expected to return to the squad against Bolton following a migraine.

Manager Roberto Mancini looks likely to shuffle his pack again following the Europa League victory over Salzburg, when he made eight changes from the side that drew with Stoke.

Mario Balotelli took his tally to five goals from four starts in midweek and could be paired with Carlos Tevez, who was rested.

Meanwhile Adam Johnson is now hoping that Bolton’s recent run of success, which has seen them up to sixth in the league, just three points behind the Blues, will encourage them to play a more open game at Eastlands.

“It’s a big game and we are looking forward to it,” he said.

“We are at home and looking for three points. A lot of teams come here and sit back but I don’t know if Bolton will – they might give us a game which will suit us even more.

“Most teams, with the quality we have and the reputation we are building, will just defend here, but we are going to have to get used to that.”

Johnson pressed his own claims for a place in the team against Bolton with a bright performance, and he and Mancini both drew a veil over their recent disagreements.

The manager reiterated his belief that Johnson can be a top player, if he stays grounded and listens, and said that the 22-year-old will thank him for his input one day.

And Johnson, whose frustration had led him to suggest he might seek a move, said he fully appreciates what Mancini is trying to do for him.

“From the moment he came in he has helped me a lot,” said the young Mackem. “He has told me all sorts of different things. He has seen a lot in his career, and been around, and all the advice is starting to show a little bit in my game.

“It’s just little things he has told me, but they have definitely helped me. It’s about running off the ball, my movement and stuff like that, when to get a shot in, and about making runs inside like the goal I scored against Juventus.

“It’s also about not wanting the ball at my feet all the time, and maybe trying to get in the box and on the end of a few more crosses.

“I was happy with my performance against Salzburg and hopefully a bit more of that will come in the next few weeks.

“I was really pleased with the goal. It was nice to finish the game off and get another goal in Europe, my third of the season.

“I played a bit more on the left, but I am comfortable on either side and it was a slow tempo which gives you space and time to enjoy it.”